CHICO -- For the community, the Little Red Hen is a place to buy lovely plants for the nursery, shop for vintage household items, have something sold on eBay or shop for kitchen wares.

To Teresa Wolk Hayes and her staff of 130, it's about growing together.

The Little Red Hen businesses help to support programs for people with development disabilities, including about 80 who are employed at the nursery and related retail outlets.

Hiring people with disabilities requires a knack for recognizing people's abilities, she explained. She believes strongly in paying people at least a minimum wage. Their work has value, as evidenced in the products and services her businesses provide.

When staff members demonstrated skill in floral design, they started a floral side-business, and booked several weddings last year, she explained.

Another man has an interest in raising worms, and now supplies worm compost through the nursery. They'll also make "worm cookies" from the castings, as an affordable garden gift.

Meanwhile, the Little Red Hen runs programs for children and young adults with developmental disabilities, primarily autism. An example is Lil' Sprouts, for children ages 4-8, which helps develop play skills, socialization and communication skills. Growing Together Teens fosters self-esteem and emotional growth. Branchin' Out helps young adults with employment, college skills and making friends.

Some of the adults with disabilities now working at Little Red Hen businesses have literally grown up through the programs, Wolk explained.

This has also meant needing more jobs for people who have been prepared for the work force. "Last year we had 15 young adults apply for a job out of high school," Wolk said. The logical response was to open the Vintage Hen, a store that sells collectibles.

Wolk began with the various projects more than a decade ago after her son was diagnosed with autism. She had a swimming pool at her home and began a swim program with other children and their parents. After a while, the program caught the attention of Laura Larson of Far Northern Regional Center, which helped out.

Later Wolk began selling plants, which were donated, leading into the Little Red Hen Nursery. People with disabilities thrive by working at the nursery, with the help of mentors.

This inspired her to keep growing the programs and businesses that help support them. "Everyone has the potential to grow," she said.

She recalled a story of a mother who was told by a teacher that her child "couldn't learn." The child had a severe disability and would probably never speak.

But this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, Wolk said. Rather than do everything for a child with disabilities, the key is to learn what they can do on their own. Often, this means raising the child differently than the parent had planned.

New Little Red Hen park

The latest adventure for the leaders of Little Red Hen is a park-like educational site adjacent to Spiteri's Deli in Chico.

A giant rooster sculpture stands in front of the ornate iron fence. Raised beds are home to vegetables and flowers, and sculptures are being built. Someday a miniature train will meander through, and schoolchildren will visit for field trips.

A grand opening will take place when more work has been completed.

The owners of Spiteri's also own the land, and approached Hayes with the idea for the 2-acre location, which will be a hands-on learning garden.

While chatting with the Enterprise-Record during a recent sunny afternoon, Hayes watched with one eye as her crew continued with the projects in progress.

One concrete block will become a big dinosaur, and "kids can come in and be archaeologists," she said.

A water feature is planned, and will no doubt be a big hit in the summer.